Fencing champion Yoana Ilieva delivers an empowering talk on “The Courage to Think Differently” at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025. Yoana shares how focus, resilience, and bold thinking have shaped her path in sports and beyond, inspiring us to embrace challenges with confidence. Yoana Ilieva is one of Bulgaria’s leading figures in women’s fencing and a sabre specialist. She made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships in Milan — Bulgaria’s first world medal since 1987 and the very first in women’s sabre. A two-time European champion (U20 and U23) and World Cup winner in Plovdiv, Yoana finished the season ranked No. 2 in the world. With her talent, determination, and inspiring spirit, she stands among the brightest stars of modern fencing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Young entrepreneur Alexander Dimitrov shares his insights at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025, in his talk on “The Courage to Think Differently.” With fresh ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit, Alexander demonstrates how courage and innovation can pave the way to meaningful change. Alexandar Dimitrov is a young entrepreneur who launched Caltrackr, a fitness and nutrition app that reached over 200,000 users and was showcased at Web Summit and Collision. Having lived in three countries and speaking five languages fluently, he brings a global perspective to his new projects in advertising, always driven by curiosity and the desire to learn. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Equestrian champion Eliza Cholakova delivers a motivating talk on “The Courage to Think Differently” at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025. Through her story, Eliza highlights how trust, discipline, and courage can lead to success. Eliza Cholakova is a young and talented show jumping rider, representing Bulgaria for the sixth consecutive year. She is a European finalist, multiple national champion, Balkan team champion, and also works as a coach for young equestrian talents. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Young entrepreneur and CEO of student company ElevateX, Victoria Alexieva, inspires with her talk on “The Courage to Think Differently” at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025. Victoria shares her journey of building a student-led company, proving that leadership, courage, and innovation can start at any age. Viktoria Alexieva is a young Bulgarian entrepreneur and Junior Achievement Bulgaria alumna. She is the CEO of ElevateX, named the best educational company of 2025. Her team’s mobile app project, connecting young entrepreneurs with investors, won first place at the National Youth Business Forum and the National Entrepreneurship Competition, as well as the Best Use of Project Management award at the prestigious GEN-E European Forum in Athens. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Creative composer Danail Vidinsky inspires the audience at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025, with his talk on “The Courage to Think Differently.” Through music and innovation, Danail explores how creativity and courage can reshape the way we connect with ourselves and the world. Danail Vidinski is a composer and sound engineer with a degree in Sound Engineering from New Bulgarian University. Though self-taught in music, he discovered his passion in high school, creating his first compositions digitally. Focused on film and multimedia music and the role of modern technology in sound, he is currently part of the Badguysfilms studio team, working on projects in film, theatre, and animation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Young chess talent Nikola Kanov takes the stage at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025, with his inspiring talk on “The Courage to Think Differently.” Through the lens of strategic thinking and creativity in chess, Nikola reveals how courage and vision can help us see opportunities where others see limitations. Nikola Kanov is a 17-year-old Bulgarian chess talent and multiple national champion. Ranked number one in Bulgaria under 19, he competes in men’s tournaments, gaining valuable experience and success — including a team championship title and a national bronze medal. In 2025, he became an International Master, now striving for the ultimate goal — the Grandmaster title. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx